In the world of bodybuilding, few events compare to the gravitas of the Mr. Olympia contest. However, this year’s contest has been marred by an unexpected twist: Nathan De Asha, the celebrated Liverpool-based athlete and one of the major threats this year for the Men’s Open division, has been denied entry due to visa-related troubles, casting a shadow over what many anticipated would be his crowning achievement.
A Promising Start Derailed
Just weeks prior to the Mr. Olympia contest, De Asha appeared to be on an unstoppable trajectory. With first-place victories at both the 2023 Flex Weekend Pro and the 2023 Sheru Classic in France, his rise seemed both meteoric and inevitable. This was not merely about professional accolades; his on-stage duels, especially with the likes of Regan Grimes, were becoming legendary, fueling a fanbase that was ravenous for more.
Yet, through a heartbreaking Instagram post, the narrative changed entirely.
De Asha revealed,
“Guys i thought this was the year i could come back to the big stage, had what i believed to be all the correct paperwork in order to be denied by a bitter salty lady is heart breaking. On the way here i was excited like a child now am sat in a hotel waiting to go home with the worst thoughts in my head possible.”
Such public, raw displays of disappointment are rare in a sport characterized by unwavering discipline and stoicism, making De Asha’s candor all the more striking.
The Entry Hurdle: A Dream Deferred
While athletes frequently face physical challenges — from injuries to rigorous training regimens — administrative obstacles can often prove just as, if not more, daunting. De Asha’s predicament underscores this harsh reality. Despite his painstaking efforts to ensure all formalities were in order, he was confronted with the bleak reality of bureaucratic rigidity.
He continued in his post, “On the way here I was excited like a child now am sat in a hotel waiting to go home with the worst thoughts in my head possible.”
His disappointment was not simply personal; it reflected a larger issue within the bodybuilding community.
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He further elaborated,
“We cant control where we are born even as a kid getting up to no good think this far ahead but yet we are punished.
Its wrong in so many ways. On that stage you will be shocked the amount of athletes who have to get there using extreme meaures n illegally. This shouldnt be the case. We need help. Mr olympia needs to help us.”
This plea for assistance and systemic change reverberated with many in the industry, shedding light on an often-overlooked aspect of international competitions.
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The Weight of Past and Future
De Asha’s tumultuous relationship with the Mr. Olympia contest is no secret. The previous year saw him sidelined due to a debilitating bicep tear. Determined not to be daunted, he threw himself into preparation for the 2023 contest with a zeal that was evident not just in his physique but also in his words.
In a candid podcast, he had asserted, “‘We might do a little push.’ I was born with no food in my belly. I can suffer, I can starve. I’ve been there before. A few fucking hours is nothing.”
These aren’t mere words, but a testament to the dedication and commitment required at the highest echelons of the sport. With fans globally awaiting his return, many of whom were predicting a top 10 placement, if not higher, the disappointment of his absence cannot be understated.
Overview
In a dramatic turn ahead of the prestigious Mr. Olympia contest, Nathan De Asha, renowned for his formidable trajectory and on-stage prowess, has been sidelined due to visa complications. His candid revelations on Instagram spotlight not just a personal setback but also hint at wider issues within international bodybuilding. Amidst the shadows of past challenges and ambitious future aspirations, De Asha’s unanticipated absence resonates deeply with fans and peers alike.
The Colosseum Strength team, along with many in the bodybuilding community, eagerly anticipated Nathan De Asha’s performance at the 2023 Mr. Olympia. Despite his unexpected absence, the outpouring of support and well wishes for him remains unwavering.
Featured Image @Nathandeasha2 (Instagram)
